Finnish brewers say difference in excise with Estonia too high

Sales in Finland of beverages made by companies in the Breweries and Soft Drink Industry Association fell by 25 million liters last year. Consumption of low-alcohol beverages fell by 5.4 percent, according to the daily newspaper Helsingin Sanomat.

The Association says that if the excise difference with Estonia is not pared down, imports could spell job losses in Finland.

The difference in alcohol prices on either side of the Gulf of Finland has long encouraged Finns to make shopping trips for alcohol in Tallinn.